Xavier students bring Jesuit ideals to Uganda

Last Thursday, Unified for UNIFAT (U4U) co-founder and local Cincinnatian, Will Tardio and head mentor, Opiyo Dennis came to Xavier University. They spoke to Xavier students in Kennedy Auditorium about the progress UNIFAT is making in Uganda. According to Xavier's U4U chapter president Breanna Lynch, the group "is a student-run, non-profit organization that works to financially and emotionally support the most destitute children attending UNIFAT Primary School in Gulu, Northern Uganda." In addition, UNIFAT chapters nationwide work to bring peace to the Ugandan area. Lynch stated that the Xavier U4U chapter began in March 2011 and that the group "truly speaks to the Jesuit ideals and Xavier values of recognizing the interconnectedness between all human beings." "Our efforts also help to maintain the school, qualified teachers, ongoing construction and mentorship for the children," Lynch said in a recent e-mail in regard to the progress that Dennis spoke about. Dennis stated that progress has been made in helping the school to keep providing an education to children who would otherwise not receive one. In addition, he was able to provide information about certain students at the school that the Xavier chapter sponsors. "[UNIFAT's] cause is a striking one...and once I heard about the UNIFAT mission, there was no way I could know and do nothing," Lynch said concerning her own involvement in the club. She also stated that this organization "allows students, faculty and staff alike to immerse themselves in a new culture, one in which we can help not only the children of UNIFAT, but the people in Gulu through interactive learning and sustained engagement." For more information, Lynch recommends checking out the group's Facebook page (Unified for UNIFAT at Xavier), OrgSync page or website at www.unifiedunifat.com.